Circular No. 4204/Add.5/Rev.1 Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Guidance relating to the certification of seafarers and fishing vessel personnel.
INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION
4 ALBERT EMBANKMENT, LONDON SE1 7SR
Telephone: +44(0)20 7735 7611 | Facsimile: +44(0)20 587 3210
Subject: Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Guidance relating to the certification of seafarers and fishing vessel personnel.
The Secretary-General has become aware of a range of concerns regarding the training and certification of seafarers and fishing vessel personnel as a consequence of the coronavirus outbreak.
The actions taken worldwide as a result of the outbreak pose a serious challenge for Administrations to allow the continued training of seafarers and fishing vessel personnel, revalidate certificates, including medical certificates, and endorsements, in accordance with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention), 1978, as amended, and the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel, 1995 (STCW Convention), 1995.
Principal Guidance
Issuing Administrations and port State authorities are encouraged to take a pragmatic and practical approach regarding the extension of certificates and endorsements, as strictly necessary.
| Action | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Extension of certificates | Adopting a pragmatic approach, as necessary, notifying stakeholders. |
| Acceptance by third parties | Port States and coastal States should facilitate the acceptance of such extensions. |
| Inspections | Maintain inspection procedures in accordance with Article X and Regulation I/4 of the STCW Convention. |
Annexes
Annex 1: Guidance relating to the training and certification of seafarers
Annex 2: Guidance relating to the certification of fishing vessel personnel
